Adjustable Utensil Tray

ABSTRACT

An adjustable storage tray has a first tray part that defines at least one first compartment therein. A second tray part of the storage tray defines at least one second compartment therein. The second tray part is slidably connected to the first tray part such that a length of the adjustable storage tray can be adjusted. The storage tray has a ratcheting mechanism to retain a selected adjusted length and has a retention mechanism that can inhibit vertical separation of the first and second tray parts.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/845,955 entitled “AdjustableUtensil Tray,” which was filed on Sep. 20, 2006 and the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to storage trays andorganizers for utensils and gadgets, and more particularly to anadjustable storage tray that can be changed in length and reconfiguredcompartmentally.

2. Description of Related Art

Utensil storage and organizer products for drawers exist in the art.Some of the currently known products allow users to extend the trays ina width direction for use in various width drawers. These adjustablesolutions help to create extra storage for the user, but do not preventthe storage tray from moving around when used in a drawer as the draweris opened and closed, and particularly from moving forward and backwardin the drawer. Furthermore these types of products typically leave asignificant amount of unused space at the back of the drawer. Such traysare typically not lengthwise extendable.

Many current organizer products are of a one-piece structure. Suchproducts are not size adjustable and typically have fixed-lengthcompartments. These types of products do not incorporate a solution toallow the user to divide up, customize, and reconfigure their storagetray space to suit their individual needs. Many one-piece utensil traysand cutlery trays well are known in the art. These one-piece trays arenot adjustable in any direction and often slide both side-to-side andfor-and-aft in the drawer as the drawer is opened and closed and as auser rummages for a desired item. This can be frustrating to theconsumer and also can leave significant unused space at the sides and/orthe back of a drawer. These one-piece products offer only fixed lengthutensil storage compartments. Thus, a user can not customize the trayfor a particular purpose as may be desired by that individual consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a utensil trayconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present inventionand in a substantially extended configuration.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the utensil tray shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the utensil tray of FIG. I in a substantially collapsed ornon-extended configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section taken along line IV-IV of the utensil traythat is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section taken along line V-V of the utensil traythat is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section taken along line VI-VI of the utensil traythat is shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the utensil tray takenfrom Circle VII in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the utensil tray takenfrom Circle VIII in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-section taken along line IX-IX of the utensil traythat is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the utensil tray takenfrom Circle X in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another example of a utensil trayconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present inventionand in a substantially extended configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed utensil tray assemblies solve or improve upon one or moreof the above-noted and other problems or disadvantages with prior knownstorage trays. Adjustable storage tray assemblies are disclosed hereinthat can expand in length and that are configured for storing utensils,silverware, kitchen gadgets, or other items or tools within a drawer.The disclosed tray assemblies also have separate storage regions thatcan be re-sized and reconfigured using snap-in place dividers. Suchdividers can be moved and placed as desired within a substantial portionof the tray. The disclosed tray assemblies are well suited for use in akitchen environment but are certainly not limited to such use. Thedisclosed tray assemblies can be useful in any storage drawer such as ina work room, bathroom, garage, den, bedroom, or the like. The disclosedadjustable utensil trays could be used to hold jewelry, arts supplies,or other objects as desired.

Turning now to the drawings, one example of an adjustable utensil trayassembly 20 is shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled and extendedconfiguration. The assembly 20 is also shown in exploded view in FIG. 2and in a collapsed or non-extended configuration in FIG. 3. In general,the tray assembly includes a first tray part 22 and a second tray part24 that are adjustably and slidably connect with one another. Thedisclosed tray assembly 20 also includes one or more dividers 26 thatcan be removed, installed, and replaced by a consumer during use of thetray assembly. The tray assembly 20 can also incorporate a plurality ofoptional feet 28. The feet can be integrally molded on a bottom of partof the assembly or can be a plurality of rubber, plastic, cork, or othertype of foot pad adhered to an underside of the assembly. The feet 28shown herein are circular pads that can be glued, in-molded, adhered, orotherwise attached to the tray as desired. The feet can be configured toinhibit the tray from slipping within the drawer during use.

In the disclosed example, the first tray part 22 and the second traypart 24 nest with one another and telescopically slide relative to oneanother. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in theart, the telescoping engagement between the two tray parts can varywithin the spirit and scope of the present invention. Which parttelescopes within which part can vary from that shown herein asdescribed below.

In the disclosed example, the first tray part 22 includes a tray bottom30, a front wall 32 extending up from a forward edge of the bottom and apair of opposed side walls 34 extending up from side edges of thebottom. The front wall 32 and side walls 34 meet at front corners 36 ofthe first tray part 22. The first tray part 22 also has a back edge thatis exposed and includes a back edge 38 of the bottom and back edges 40of the side walls. In this example, the back of the first tray part 22is open. Also in this example, a raised center partition 42 extends upfrom the bottom 30 dividing the interior of the first tray part 22 intotwo compartments 44. In this example, the compartments 44 extendlengthwise side-by-side along the tray part on opposite sides of thepartition 42, which is centrally positioned on the tray part.

A channel 50 is provided on each of the side walls 34 along theirrespective top edges. In this example, each channel 50 is formed by alip 52 that is coupled to the top edge of the respective side wall 34and that extends outward from the side wall. Each channel also has aflange 54 that depends from an outer edge of each lip 52 and that isspaced outward from the respective side wall 34.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art uponreviewing this disclosure, the first tray part 22 can vary inconfiguration and construction from that shown and described herein. Thelength, width, height, and shape of the tray and its walls and bottomcan vary from that shown. The central partition 42 in this exampleextends parallel to the side walls and is centrally located between theside walls. Additional partitions could also be utilized or thedisclosed partition could be moved from its central location.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the partition 42 in this example has a height anda width which creates a tunnel 56 beneath the partition that extendslengthwise along the first tray part 22 between the two compartments 44.The tunnel 56 is defined in general by the partition and in particularby a curved or rounded top 58 of the partition and spaced apartpartition side walls 60 of the partition. The tunnel configuration ofthe partition could also vary considerably and yet fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the partitioncould be completely eliminated from the first tray part 22 creating onlya single compartment above the bottom 30 within the tray part.

FIGS. 1-3 also illustrate the second tray part 24. In the disclosedexample, the second tray part is configured to telescope under andoutside of the first tray part 22. The second tray part 24 is similar inconstruction to the first tray part in that it also includes a bottom70, a back wall 72 extending up from a rear edge of the bottom, and sidewalls 74 extending up from side edges of the bottom. Also similarly, theback edges of the side walls 74 are joined to the side edges of the backwall 72 at rear corners 76. A front edge of the second tray part 24 isexposed and includes a front edge 80 of the bottom 70 and front edges 82of the side walls 74. Thus, the front end of the second tray part isalso open. The second tray part 24 also includes a central partition 84extending lengthwise between and parallel to the side walls 74 in thisexample. The partition 84 also forms a tunnel 83 under the tray part andcreates two side-by-side compartments 85. The tunnel includes a roundedtop 86 and partition sides 88. The second tray part 24 can vary inconfiguration and construction similar to the first tray part. However,in order for the two tray parts to telescopically slide relative to oneanother, the second tray part configuration must be configured to atleast mate with the first tray part configuration to permit suchmovement.

With that in mind, the side walls 74 and bottom 70 of the second traypart in the disclosed example, as well as the partition 84, areconfigured to fit under and around the like components 34, 30, and 42 ofthe first tray part as shown in FIG. 1. The open front end of the secondtray part 24 can be slid onto and over the open back end of the firsttray part 22. The partition 84 of the second tray part nests within thetunnel 56 beneath the partition 42 of the first tray part 22. Whenconnected together, the compartments 44 and 85 on each side of thenested partitions 42 and 84 combine to form two elongate, lengthextendable compartments within the assembly 10. This tray assemblyconfiguration is thus useful for storing kitchen gadgets, grillingutensils, tools, and the like that are typically longer than ordinarycutlery and eating utensils.

The side walls 74 are positioned outward of the side walls 34 and thebottom 70 and partition 84 are positioned beneath the bottom 30 andpartition 42. The top edges 90 of the side walls 74 on the second traypart 24 are sized and configured to fit within the channels 50 and arecaptured by the flange 54 under the lip 52 on each side of the firsttray part 22. As depicted with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the firsttray part 22 and second tray part 24 can slide lengthwise relative toone another in the disclosed example. As noted above, the two tray partscan be configured differently so that the second tray part telescopeswithin and above the first tray part, if desired.

The disclosed utensil tray assembly 10 includes four features that willnow be separately described. A first one of the features is provided toassist in preventing the first and second tray parts from frictionallylocking with one another during lengthwise adjustment. Without thisfeature, surface-to-surface contact between the bottoms of the two trayparts could create significant sliding friction making it difficult tolengthwise adjust the tray assembly. A second one of the features is aratcheting detent function provided for the longitudinal or lengthwiseadjustment between the first and second tray parts. Without thisfeature, the two parts would slide freely relative to one another. Thissecond feature is provided to retain a selected lengthwise adjustmentbetween the two tray parts. A third one of the features is provided tovertically retain connection between the first and second tray parts.Without this feature, the second tray part could be readily droppeddownward from the first tray part or the first tray part could be liftedreadily from the second tray part. A fourth one of the features isprovided to create a plurality of optional locations to install theremovable dividers 26.

The first one of these features is described with reference to FIGS. 4and 5. A plurality of lengthwise spaced apart ridges 102 are provided onan underside surface 100 of the bottom 30 on the first tray part 22.These ridges 102 project downward from the underside surface 100 undereach of the two compartments 44 and rest on a top side surface 101 ofthe bottom 70 of the second tray part. As shown in FIG. 5, each of theseridges 102 has a width laterally across the tray assembly 20 that issignificantly less than a width of each of the compartments 44. Thus,air gaps 103 are created both laterally (see FIG. 4) and longitudinally(see FIG. 5) permitting air to flow or pass between the two tray partsduring adjustment. The ridges 102 also significantly reducesurface-to-surface contact between the bottoms of the two tray parts.

The ridges disclosed and described herein provide the first feature forthe tray assembly 20 to assist in permitting relatively easy lengthwiseadjustment between the first and second tray parts 22 and 24 withoutsignificant surface friction between the tray parts 22 and 24. Theridges can be replaced by longitudinal extending ridges, multiple bumpsor dimples, and the like. The ridges or other such feature can also beprovided on the top side of the bottom 70 in the second tray part, butwill then be exposed when the tray assembly is expanded.

The second one of the features is described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7. A plurality of interlocking or meshing teeth are provided betweenthe two tray parts 22 and 24 to create a ratcheting or detent systemthat permits lengthwise adjustment between the tray parts whileproviding tactile feedback and positive retention of a selected adjustedlength. A first set of teeth 104 are provided in the form of a linearrack of gear teeth. The teeth 104 of the rack extend outward from anoutside surface 106 on the side walls 74 of the second tray part 24. Inthis example, the plurality of teeth 104 extends along a substantialportion of the length of each side wall 74. The rack or plurality ofteeth 104 is also provided closely adjacent the top edge 90 of the sidewalls 74 in this example.

A pair of ratchet teeth 110 or dogs project laterally inward from aninside surface 112 of the flange 54 within each of the channels 50. Asshown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ratchet teeth 110 thus confront and face theteeth 104 of the rack and mesh with one another. In this example, theratchet teeth 110 are positioned near the forward edge of the channels50 on the first tray part 22. Thus, the ratchet teeth 110 are positionedto contact the teeth 104 along the rack at any lengthwise adjustedpositioned. As the tray assembly is lengthened, the ratchet teeth 110will move along the rack from a position close to the front end of thesecond tray part 24 toward the back end of the second tray part. Also asshown in FIG. 6, a stop projection 114 is provided at a rear end of therack of teeth 104. The stop projection 114 can inhibit or preventpassage of the ratchet teeth 110 beyond the stop. This can permit fullyextending the tray assembly 20 to a max lengthwise adjusted positionbetween the two tray parts, but inhibit complete lengthwise separationof the two tray parts. A consumer will thus be inhibited from pullingthe two tray parts apart as the stop 114 bears against the rearward mostof the two ratchet teeth 110 on each side of the tray assembly 20.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the ratchet teeth 110 and several ofthe teeth 104 on the rack. As can be seen in FIG. 7, each of the ratchetteeth 110 on the first tray part has a forward facing surface 116 and arearward facing surface 118. Similarly, each of the teeth 104 on therack of the second tray part has a forward facing surface 120 and a rearfacing surface 122. As the first and second tray parts 22 and 24 arepushed together in the direction of the arrows A in FIG. 7, shorteningthe length of the tray assembly 20, the front facing surfaces 120 on therack teeth 104 contact the rear facing surfaces 118 on the ratchet teeth110. The angle on these surfaces is relatively steep and in one examplecan be greater than 45° and less than 90°. This surface-to-surfacecontact and the relatively steep angle between these surfaces 120 and118 will increase the force needed to push the two trays together, i.e.,to reduce the length of the assembly. As also shown in FIG. 7, when thetray assembly is lengthened, the two tray parts will move in thedirection of the arrows B. In this lengthening direction, the frontfacing surfaces 116 on each of the ratchet teeth 110 and the rear facingsurfaces 122 on each of the rack teeth 104 contact each other as the twotrays are pulled apart. These tooth surfaces have shallower angles thanthe opposite tooth surfaces, and in one example can each be less than45° angles. The shallower tooth angles in the B direction will result ina lesser force needed to lengthen the tray assembly.

Thus, in the disclosed example an individual can pull the two tray parts22 and 24 apart to lengthen the tray assembly 20 than push the two partstogether to shorten the tray assembly. This feature as configured in thepresent example will thus make it easy for the two tray components to belength adjusted outward in the B direction when a consumer firstpurchases the product and fits it to a desired drawer. Once adjusted andinstalled, the resistance created by the teeth in the A direction willresist the tray shortening during use. For instance, if an individualslams a drawer closed, the tray will resist collapsing in length andinstead retain a snug fit within the drawer. As will be evident to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, the tooth angles can vary considerablyfrom that shown and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In one example, the angle on all of the teeth can be the sameon either side and yet function generally as intended. The tooth angelscould be reversed making it easier to shorten the tray and moredifficult to lengthen the tray. The intent of the ratchet arrangementshown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is to permit length adjustment of the tray andyet provide a mode to positively retain the tray in a selected adjustedlength. The mechanism also provides a solid tactile feel for theconsumer while adjusting the tray length.

The location of the ratcheting mechanism can also vary, as well as itsconstruction. In one example, the teeth can be provided on adjacentsurfaces of the bottoms 30 and 70 of the two tray parts or on adjacentsurfaces in this example of the nested partitions 42 and 84. In anotheralternate example, one of the two tray parts can employ a slot on theside or sides or on the bottom or partition. The slot can includeserrations or teeth along an edge of the slot. The other of the two trayparts can include a protrusion that slides along and within the slot.The ratcheting mechanism produces a tactile, positive positioningfeature for the tray as well.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the third feature includes a lengthwiseextending rib 124 projecting inward from the flange 54 in each of thechannels 50. In this example, the ribs 124 are positioned below theratchet teeth 110 on the same inner-facing flange surface 112 on eachtray side. A second rib 126 extends lengthwise along the tray and ispositioned projecting outward from the outer surface 106 of the sidewalls 74 on the second tray part. The ribs 126 on each side of the trayassembly are positioned above the respective ribs 124 in the channels.The ribs 124 and 126 laterally overlap one another within each channel50. The overlap of the ribs 124 and 126 prevents vertical separation ofthe two tray parts and thus will keep the two tray parts connected whilestill permitting length adjustment. The rib location, configuration, andthe like can also vary from the example shown and described herein.Other retention mechanisms may be employed between the two tray parts toinhibit vertical separation of the parts.

The fourth feature of the disclosed tray assembly 20 allows a consumerto selectively position one or more of the dividers 26 within the trayassembly 10. To accomplish this feature, a plurality of shaped recessesor depressions 132 are lengthwise spaced apart on an inner surface 130of each of the side walls 74 on the second tray part 24. These recessesor depressions 132 create snap regions configured to receive one of thedividers 26. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, a lower end of each ofthe recesses 132 has a pair of through holes 134 that are alsolengthwise spaced apart along the side walls 74. Similarly, a pluralityof the recesses 132 and a plurality of the hole pairs 134 are alsoprovided along both sides 88 of the partition 84 in the second tray part24. The recesses 132 and holes 134 on the partition sides 88 are eachaligned with a corresponding recess 132 and pair of holes 134 on each ofthe side walls 74 across the compartments 83.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, each of the dividers 26 has anelongate body that is formed having an inverted U-shape incross-section. Each divider 26 has a pair of opposed sides 140, a closedtop 142, and an open bottom 144. The U-shape creates two spaced apartedges 145 on each side 140 of the dividers 26. Each of the sides 144,and particularly with respect to the spaced apart edges 145, isconfigured to match or correspond with the shape of one of the recesses132. A pair of nubs 146 projects outward from each side 144, one on eachside edge 145 of each divider 26. As best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,when a divider 26 is positioned between a selected pair of alignedrecesses 132, the pair of nubs 146 on each side 144 snaps into the pairof holes 134 in the selected recesses 132. The nubs and holes canpositively and frictionally retain the divider in the selected positionwithin the tray assembly.

As shown in FIG. 10, the nubs 146 have a rounded bottom surface 150 andan angled but generally linear top surface 152. The bottom roundedsurface 150 permits relatively easy insertion downward into a selectedpair of recesses and snapping into the corresponding pairs of holes 134.The angled but generally linear top surfaces 152 inhibit, but do notprevent, upward removal of the divider by the consumer. Thus, a consumercan selectively and easily place one or more dividers 26 within the trayassembly 10 to reconfigure any one of the selected compartments asdesired.

In the disclosed example, the first tray part 22 does not include anyrecesses 132 or holes 134. Thus, the first tray part is not configuredto receive any dividers 26. Only the second tray part 24 includes suchfeatures in this example. In an alternate embodiment, slightly shorterdividers could be provided that correspond with similar recesses andholes formed within the first tray part 22 to provide the ability tofurther customize and reconfigure the tray assembly 20. In an alternateembodiment, only the slightly narrower first tray part and not the widersecond tray part need be provided with such features. The recesses 132in the disclosed example are semi-elliptical in shape and recessedslightly into the various walls of the tray part. However, the shape,depth, number, location, and spacing of the recesses can vary from thatshown. Other divider wall attachment mechanism modifications may also beutilized within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The snapdetails for the dividers can vary and can employ flex fingers, tabs,slots, indentations, depressions, ribs, ridges, or other shapes or formsmolded into or added onto the assembly.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art uponreviewing this disclosure, the configuration and construction of thepartitions, tray parts, tray walls, and divider features can vary andyet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. FIG. 11shows only one of many possible variations. An alternative example of autensil tray assembly 160 is illustrated in FIG. 11. The assembly 160has two tray parts 162 and 164. In this alternate example, the firsttray part 162 includes a bottom 166, side walls 168, a front wall, 170,and a back wall 172. There is no open end on this tray part 162. Thus,the compartments of the first tray part are fixed and not alterable. Thefirst tray part could be utilized as a stand alone organizer without asecond tray part. The first tray part 162 includes multiple partitions174, 176, 178, and 180 dividing the tray part into five separate, fixedcompartments, which in one example can be configured to store kitchensilverware, cutlery, and normal tableware. The second tray part 164again telescopes around and under the first tray part in this example.The second tray part has a flat bottom 182, a back wall 184, opposedside walls 186, and an open front end. The open front end can betelescoped around and under the first tray part.

In this example, the second tray part 164 again is provided with thedividers 26 and the recesses and holes 132, 134 for securing thedividers selectively in place. The second tray part only has onepartition 188 that corresponds with the partition 174 of the first traypart. The other partitions have no second tray part counterpart. Also inthis example, the second tray part partition is offset to one sidecreating two different sized compartments. Two different length dividers26 and 26′ are shown, one divider 26 for the narrower compartment sideand one divider 26′ for the wider compartment side. The compartments inthe second tray part are adjustable by lengthening or shortening theassembly 160 and/or by utilizing the dividers 26 and 26′ to furthercompartmentalize the second tray part of the assembly.

The materials and processes used to fabricate the tray assembly can varywithin the spirit and scope of the present invention. One-piece trayparts can be injection molded in one example from a general purposeacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high impact styrene (HIPS),polypropylene, or other suitable plastic materials. Other materials mayalso fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Although certain adjustable tray examples have been shown and describedherein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, thescope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On thecontrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of thedisclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

1. An adjustable storage tray comprising: a first tray part defining atleast one first compartment therein; and a second tray part defining atleast one second compartment therein, the second tray part slidablyconnected to the first tray part such that a length of the adjustablestorage tray can be adjusted, wherein the storage tray has a ratchetingmechanism to retain a selected adjusted length and has a retentionmechanism that can inhibit vertical separation of the first and secondtray parts.
 2. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one first compartment and the at least one secondcompartment combine to form at least one continuous compartment definedin part by each of the first and second tray parts.
 3. An adjustablestorage tray according to claim 1, wherein the first tray part has alengthwise oriented first partition and the second tray part has alengthwise oriented second partition that nest with one another anddivide the adjustable storage tray into two side-by-side lengthwisecompartments extending the length of the adjustable storage tray.
 4. Anadjustable storage tray according to claim 3, further comprising: one ormore removable and replaceable dividers that can be selectivelypositioned within a portion of either of the two side-by side lengthwisecompartments to further subdivide the adjustable storage tray.
 5. Anadjustable storage tray according to claim 1, further comprising: one ormore removable and replaceable dividers that can be selectivelypositioned within one of the first and second tray parts to furthersubdivide the at least one first compartment.
 6. An adjustable storagetray according to claim 1, further comprising: a first bottom, a firstpair of opposed side walls extending up from the first bottom, and atleast one first end wall connected to and extending between the firstpair of side walls along one edge of the first bottom of the first traypart; a second bottom, a second pair of opposed side walls extending upfrom the second bottom, and at least one second end wall connected toand extending between the second pair of side walls along one edge ofthe second bottom of the second tray part; and a plurality of ridgesprojecting from an underside of the first bottom that rest against a topside of the second bottom and create spacing between the underside ofthe first bottom and the top side of the second bottom.
 7. An adjustablestorage tray according to claim 1, further comprising: a first pair ofopposed side walls extending up from a first bottom of the first traypart; a second pair of opposed side walls extending up from a secondbottom of the second tray part; and a channel extending along andoutward from each of the first pair of sidewalls and carried near at topedge of each of the first pair of side walls, wherein a top edge of eachof the second pair of side walls is captured within a corresponding oneof the channels.
 8. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 7,wherein the ratcheting mechanism includes a plurality of teeth andmating ratchet teeth dispose within each of the channels.
 9. Anadjustable storage tray according to claim 7, wherein the ratchetingmechanism comprises: a plurality of teeth projecting outward from andextending lengthwise near the top edge along each of the pair of secondside walls; and one or more ratchet teeth projecting inward from achannel surface within each channel and engaging the plurality of teeth.10. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 7, wherein theretention mechanism includes a pair laterally overlapping ribs withineach of the channels.
 11. An adjustable storage tray according to claim10, wherein one of the pair of ribs within each channel projects outwardfrom the respective wall of the second pair of opposed side walls nearthe top edge and the other of the pair of ribs within each channelprojects inward from a channel surface and laterally overlaps thecorresponding one rib.
 12. An adjustable storage tray according to claim7, wherein travel stop projections are provided within each of thechannels to limit the extended length of the adjustable storage tray toa max length.
 13. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1,further comprising: a first bottom, a first pair of opposed side wallsextending up from the first bottom, one first end wall connected to andextending between the first pair of side walls along one edge of thefirst bottom of the first tray part, and another first end wallconnected to and extending between the first pair of side walls along anopposite edge of the first bottom; and a second bottom, a second pair ofopposed side walls extending up from the second bottom, and at least onesecond end wall connected to and extending between the second pair ofside walls along one edge of the second bottom of the second tray part.14. A length adjustable drawer organizer tray comprising: a first traypart having a first bottom, first opposed side walls, at least one firstend wall extending between and connected to the first side walls, and atleast one first storage compartment defined within the first tray part;a second tray part having a second bottom, second opposed side walls,and at least a second back wall extending between and connected to thesecond side walls, and at least one second storage compartment formedwithin the second tray part, wherein the first tray part is slidablyconnected to the second tray part so that a length of the drawerorganizer tray can be selectively adjusted; a downward facing channelcarried on and extending outward from near a top edge of each of thefirst side walls; and a top edge of each of the second side wallscaptured within a respective one of the channels and slidable along thechannel, wherein the storage tray has a ratcheting mechanism within eachof the channels to retain a selected adjusted length of the two trayparts.
 15. A length adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 14,further comprising: a retention mechanism that can inhibit verticalseparation of the first and second tray parts.
 16. A length adjustabledrawer organizer according to claim 14, wherein the first tray part hasanother first end wall positioned opposite the one first end wall andextending between and connected to the first side walls.
 17. A lengthadjustable drawer organizer according to claim 14, further comprising:one or more dividers that can be removably snapped between the two sidewalls within at least one of the first and second tray parts.
 18. Alength adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 17, furthercomprising: a plurality of recesses formed spaced apart along on theinner surfaces of the two side walls; and opposed ends on each of theone or more dividers, each of the opposed ends configured to snap into aselected one of the recesses on each of the side walls.
 19. A lengthadjustable drawer organizer according to claim 18, wherein each of theopposed ends has at least one nub projecting outward therefrom andconfigured to snap into a hole in a selected one of the recesses.